Palliative surgery for recurrent bowel obstruction due to advanced ovarian cancer

AIM: Intestinal obstruction is a frequent event in patients affected by ovarian carcinoma. Little data on repeat palliative surgery for recurrent bowel obstruction are available. The aim of this study was to analyze postoperative and long term outcomes of ovarian cancer patients who underwent reoperation for recurrent intestinal obstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of these patients treated at our Department between 1992 and 2002. RESULTS: Nine women with a mean age of 56 years (range 37-72) were identified. All patients had undergone previous abdominal surgery for bowel obstruction from ovarian cancer. All patients underwent exploratory laparotomy. In 4 patients (Group A) because of advanced disease, only exploratory surgery was carried out. A surgical correction was achieved in the other 5 patients (Group B), but only 3 patients had a successful palliation, defined as the ability to tolerate an oral intake for at least 60 days postoperatively. Postoperative mortality was nil, morbidity was 44.4%; particularly 2 patients developed an enterocutaneous fistula. Mean survival of Group A and B patients were 36.7 and 96.2 days respectively. The 3 successful palliated patients died of disease after 3.5, 4 and 5 months, in 2 cases for recurrent bowel obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat surgery for recurrent bowel obstruction in advanced ovarian carcinoma may achieve successful palliation in few cases and is associated with high postoperative morbidity and limited survival. In these patients non surgical approaches based on medical treatment, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and stent placement should be considered.     

Palliative surgery for intestinal obstruction in advanced ovarian cancer

Intestinal obstruction in ovarian cancer patients is a major complication which frequently affects survival and quality of life. After a reasonable trial of conservative management fails, surgery is the only hope for relief of obstruction. In an effort to evaluate the success of such surgery we have reviewed the outcome of 54 operations (52 patients) for relief of intestinal obstruction performed over the 3-year period 1983-1985. Possible predictive factors for success and survival following surgery were analyzed. The sites of intestinal obstruction in the 54 procedures were as follows: small intestine 24 (44%); large intestine 18 (33%); combined small and large intestine 12 (22%). In 11 operations no surgical correction of the obstruction was possible. In 43, major intestinal procedures were performed, including 14 bypasses, 13 resections, and 20 colostomies. Of the 43 instances in which intestinal procedures were performed, 4 patients expired without leaving the hospital. At the time of discharge from the hospital the remaining 34 of these 43 patients were eating a regular or low-residue diet. Successful palliation of intestinal obstruction was thus achieved in 79% of the 43 instances in which a definitive procedure could be performed, and in 63% of the total of 54 operations. Mean survival following surgery was 6.8 months for the group undergoing a definitive procedure, and 1.8 months for the group undergoing exploration only. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to age, time from diagnosis, prior radiotherapy, number of prior laparotomies, site of obstruction, or use of total parenteral nutrition. None of the multiple clinical variables analyzed correlated with survival following definitive surgery. Most patients explored for intestinal obstruction due to advanced ovarian cancer can have their obstruction relieved and be discharged from the hospital. We were not able to define criteria that would allow selection of patients unlikely to benefit from surgery.     

Palliative care for intestinal obstruction in recurrent ovarian cancer: a multivariate analysis

Bowel obstruction is the most common complication in patients with ovarian cancer. Management of this situation is controversial. The aim of our retrospective study was to determine the best approach for managing bowel obstruction in recurrent ovarian cancer. A retrospective analysis of data on 47 patients with intestinal obstruction by ovarian cancer was performed. Twenty-seven patients were submitted to surgery, with 21 intestinal procedures performed, 2 gastrostomy tubes placed, and 4 patients deemed inoperable. Twenty patients were managed medically with Octreotide (mean dosage of 0.48 mg/day), of which 1 patient required a nasogastric tube. Age, performance status, diagnosis of tumor to occlusion time, obstruction site, previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, presence of ascites, or palpable masses were the variables analyzed. Student's t-test and Pearson chi-square test were used to compare the two different groups of treatment (surgical vs medical therapy). Disease-free-survival curves were plotted according to the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed by the log-rank test. Cox's proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis. Values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered significant. The mean age of the patients was 58.7 years. Perioperative mortality and morbidity were both 22%. All patients died with minimal distress. Performance status results were significantly different between the patients submitted to surgery and patients treated with Octreotide (P= 0.03). No significant differences were found in the other variables analyzed. In multivariate analysis, only type of treatment emerges as a strong predictor of poor outcome (P < 0.001). Both surgery and Octreotide therapy are able to control distressing symptoms in end-stage ovarian cancer. Survival was significantly longer in the surgical group, and surgical palliation should be considered first in patients with good performance status.     

复发性卵巢癌合并肠梗阻行姑息性手术的临床分析

目的分析复发性卵巢癌患者合并肠梗阻行姑息性手术治疗的临床应用。方法回顾分析1997-2002年采用姑息性手术治疗(手术治疗)的67例复发性卵巢癌合并肠梗阻患者,并与同期未行手术治疗(非手术治疗)的75例复发性卵巢癌合并肠梗阻患者进行比较。采用COX回归分析法,分析行手术治疗患者选择的参考指标。结果手术治疗的67例患者中,58例(86．6％)完成预期手术操作,43例症状获得成功缓解,缓解率64．2％(43／67),占所有肠梗阻患者的30．3％(43／142)。67例患者的中位数生存期为7．8个月,43例症状获得成功缓解患者的中位数生存期为12．6个月;非手术治疗患者的中位数生存期为3．7个月。67例患者的围手术期死亡率为6．0％(4／67),并发症发生率为22．4％(15／67)。单纯结肠发生梗阻和复发肿块位于盆腔,可作为采用手术治疗患者选择的参考指标。结论采用姑息性手术治疗复发性卵巢癌合并肠梗阻,可使约1／3的患者获得较好疗效;而选择恰当的患者,是手术治疗的关键。     

Reoperation for palliation of recurrent malignant bowel obstruction in ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: While initial surgical treatment for palliation of malignant bowel obstruction is well described, data on reoperation for palliation of recurrent obstruction in ovarian carcinoma are limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of patients undergoing reoperation for repeat bowel obstruction. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all patients with ovarian cancer who underwent repeat surgery for recurrent, malignant bowel obstruction at our institution between 1994 and 2002. RESULTS: Ten patients were identified. All patients had bowel obstruction caused by recurrent ovarian carcinoma and had a previous corrective surgical procedure for malignant bowel obstruction. The mean age at diagnosis of repeat obstruction was 54.1 years (range, 34-74 years). All patients had initial stage III or IV disease with moderately to poorly differentiated cancers. No patient received prior radiation therapy. The sites of obstruction in patients were as follows: small bowel, 3; large bowel, 3; both small and large bowel, 4. The mean number of prior laparotomies was 2.7 (range, 2-5). The mean interval from previous surgery for bowel obstruction to recurrent bowel obstruction was 8.3 months (range, 1-22 months). Surgical correction was possible in 5 (50%) of 10 patients, with 3 (60%) of these 5 patients obtaining successful palliation. Successful palliation is defined as the ability to tolerate a regular or low-residue diet at least 60 days postoperatively. Complications included enterocutaneous fistulas in three patients (two had enterotomies at time of surgery) and wound infection in one patient. There were no postoperative mortalities. The mean postoperative stay was 15.8 days (range, 8-29 days). Two of the three patients successfully palliated presented with a subsequent obstruction at 3 and 5 months postoperatively and were treated with gastrostomy tubes. The median length of survival for the entire cohort from the date of surgery for repeat obstruction was 4.5 months (range, 3-17 months). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing repeat surgery for recurrent bowel obstruction have a low likelihood of successful palliation (30%). The surgery is associated with significant complications after surgery, rapid development of subsequent bowel obstructions, and limited survival rates. Alternative management approaches such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement should be considered in this group of patients.     

Cytoreductive surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The issue facing clinicians managing ovarian cancer has evolved over the past three decades from treatment for cure and subsequently palliation, to prolongation of survival for most patients. The purpose of this paper is to review the data, rationale, and issues surrounding cytoreductive surgery in recurrent ovarian cancer and its potential role in this new paradigm shift. RECENT FINDINGS: Abundant retrospective series report prolongation of survival with secondary cytoreductive surgery in recurrent ovarian cancer. Selection bias, publication bias, and subsequent therapies, however, are confounding factors for survival. As management of ovarian cancer has recently evolved to a treatment of a 'chronic disease', surgery (which has a definite role in primary therapy) should be considered. SUMMARY: No prospective randomized studies have been performed to date, and therefore adoption of this method of management has been limited. The absence of good data leaves clinicians without clear direction on how to best manage patients. Patients with favorable characteristics such as a long disease-free interval, good performance status, a single or few small intra-abdominal recurrences may benefit from secondary cytoreduction. A prospective randomized study is needed.     

复发性卵巢上皮性癌再次手术的临床评价

目的　探讨复发性卵巢上皮性癌 (卵巢癌 )再次手术的指征及临床意义。方法　复发性卵巢癌再次手术的患者 5 5例 ,术前及术后均进行化学药物治疗 (化疗 )或放射治疗 (放疗 ) ,再次手术共 6 8例次。根据再次手术前不同病灶的性质分为 4组 ,即单个复发灶组、多个复发灶组、因肠梗阻手术组及姑息性手术组。并根据再次手术前对化疗的敏感程度分为 3组 ,即≤ 6个月复发组、>6个月复发组及肿瘤进展组。观察每组再次手术中进行满意的肿瘤细胞减灭术的例数、手术并发症的例数及手术治疗的有效率、生存时间、疾病缓解时间。结果　再次手术前通过检查认为是单个复发灶者 ,6 1%在再次手术中发现为多个复发灶 ;单个复发灶组中获得较满意的肿瘤细胞减灭术的为 6 7% ,术前认为是单个复发灶者而在再次手术中确诊为多个复发灶者中 ,获得较满意的肿瘤细胞减灭术的为6 4 % ;多个复发灶组获得满意的肿瘤细胞减灭术的为 4 3%。再次手术治疗的有效率 ,以单个复发灶组最高 ;手术后疾病缓解时间及生存时间 ,也以单个复发灶组最长 ;单个复发灶组手术并发症少于多个复发灶组。获得满意的肿瘤细胞减灭术 ,停止化疗 >6个月复发组为 73% ;≤ 6个月复发组为80 % ;肿瘤进展组为 5 0 %。结论　单个复发灶组、停止化疗 >6个月复发组再次手     

Secondary cytoreductive surgery for recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer

Objective

To determine the risks and benefits of secondary cytoreductive surgery for recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.

Methods

Data were obtained retrospectively for all women with recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent a second debulking operation between 1998 and 2008 at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Survival analysis and comparisons were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox multivariate proportional hazards model.

Results

Optimal secondary cytoreductive surgery (< 5 mm of residual disease) was achieved in 32 of 40 patients (80%). Nine women (23%) developed major complications. Two variables, residual disease of less than 5 mm vs 5 mm or greater (median 63 months vs 11 months; P = 0.003); and less than 5 vs 5 or more sites of disease relapse (median 63 months vs 22 months; P = 0.009), were independently associated with survival and retained prognostic significance on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Optimal secondary cytoreductive surgery was associated with a survival advantage and acceptable risks.     

Secondary cytoreductive surgery for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

Thirty patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma who underwent secondary tumor-reductive surgery at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center were studied retrospectively. All had been initially treated by primary reductive surgery and postoperative chemotherapy and had a period of clinical remission of at least 6 months thereafter. Ninety percent of patients had grade 2 or 3 tumors. In 17 (57%), residual tumor volume was reduced to less than 2 cm. There were no postoperative deaths, but 40% of patients suffered postoperative morbidity, mostly prolonged ileus. Median survival after second surgery was 16.3-18 months for patients with residual tumor volume less than 2 cm and 13.3 months for those with residual volume greater than 2 cm (nonsignificant). When the second surgery followed the first by less than 18 months, survival was a median of 13.5 months after the second operation as compared with 19 months when the interval was 18 months or longer (nonsignificant). Twenty-two patients received postsurgical chemotherapy; only 11% of those who were evaluable responded. Although secondary tumor-reductive surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer is technically feasible, in the absence of an efficacious second-line medical therapy, its value is limited.     

Outpatient management of small bowel obstruction in terminal ovarian cancer

A technique for home gastric decompression and hydration was developed for use in patients with terminal ovarian cancer and bowel obstruction. In three of four patients undergoing a standard gastrostomy the results were unsatisfactory, requiring reintubation. The two most recent patients on whom the technique was used were able to leave the hospital within two weeks despite their bowel obstruction.     

The role of secondary cytoreductive surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the survival benefit of salvage surgical cytoreduction in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer and compare the surgical outcome with salvage chemotherapy alone. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with recurrent ovarian cancer were reviewed for possible benefits of salvage therapy. Forty-four had salvage surgery and 31 patients had salvage chemotherapy alone for the treatment of gross recurrent disease. All patients had been clinically free of disease more than 6 months from the completion of primary treatment. RESULTS: A macroscopically complete surgical cytoreduction was obtained in 34 (77%) patients. Survival was significantly longer in patients who had salvage surgery compared to those who had salvage chemotherapy alone (P = 0.03). Moreover, survival was significantly longer in patients who were completely cytoreduced compared to those who were not completely cytoreduced and those who were not operated (P = 0.007 and P = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Macroscopically complete surgical cytoreduction significantly improves further survival of recurrent ovarian cancer patients. However, we remain in need to evaluate the debulkability of tumor before surgery to maximize the survival benefit and minimize the number of ineffective surgeries.     

复发性耐药性卵巢癌手术价值

二次肿瘤细胞减灭术在复发性耐药性卵巢癌治疗中的价值越来越受到关注。目前大量研究表明,满意的二次肿瘤细胞减灭术可以改善部分患者的预后、延长生存期。文章探讨了复发性耐药性卵巢癌手术治疗的合理性、可行性,适宜人群的选择以及术后辅助治疗等问题。     

Minimally invasive secondary cytoreduction plus HIPEC for recurrent ovarian cancer: A case series

Objective

To analyze the feasibility of laparoscopic/robotic secondary cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal intra-operative chemotherapy (SCS + HIPEC) in a retrospective series of isolated platinum sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of ovarian cancer patients with isolated platinum sensitive relapse. Isolated relapse was defined as the presence of a single nodule, in a single anatomic site. In all cases the presence of isolated relapse was assessed at pre-operative FDG-PET/CT scan, and confirmed with staging laparoscopy performed immediately before SCS + HIPEC.

Results

84 women with platinum sensitive relapse received SCS + HIPEC during a 4-year period. Among them, 10 cases (11.9%) showed isolated relapse and were treated with laparoscopic/robotic SCS + HIPEC. In all cases complete debulking was achieved. In HIPEC treatment, 9 women received cisplatin at 75 mg/m², and the remaining patient oxaliplatin 460 mg/m². In 7 patients SCS was performed through the laparoscopic route, and in 3 cases with a robotic approach. The median operative time from skin incision to the end of cytoreductive surgery was 122 min (95–140), estimated blood loss was 50 cm³ (50–100), and the median length of hospital stay was 4 days (3–7). The interval from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy was 21 days (19–32). No grade 3/4 surgical, metabolic, or hematologic complications occurred. In all cases post-operative FDG-PET/CT scan was negative, and after a median time of 10 months (6–37) from SCS + HIPEC no secondary recurrence was observed.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive SCS + HIPEC can be safely performed in selected ovarian cancer patients with platinum sensitive isolated relapse.     

IUD-associated ovarian actinomycosis causing bowel obstruction

This case report presents an unusual case of primary IUD-associated ovarian actinomycosis, which spread to the sigmoid causing intestinal obstruction. A 43-year-old gravida 3, para 2, had her 1st IUD from 1978-80 (Gyne-T) and her 2nd IUD from 1980 to October 1983 (Multiload). Right lower abdominal pain led to hospitalization in May 1983. A tender nodular mass was palpated in the left pelvic area. Laboratory results confirmed the presence of inflammation. Rapid improvement followed a course of laxatives and cephalosporin antibiotics, and the patient was discharged with the diagnosis of acute sigmoid diverticulitis. 2 months later, a double contrast examination of the large intestine was done and showed severe narrowing of the sigmoid colon over a distance of 12 cm and occasional sharp recesses. Colonoscopy showed a spastic stricture of the sigmoid with massive edema of the otherwise intact mucosa at 18 cm. Computer tomography of the abdomen showed a large, focally cystic infiltrative mass in the pelvis with congestion and displacement of both ureters as well as bilateral hydronephrosis, predominantly on the right side. The descending colon was congested. The patient was readmitted to hospital with the tentative diagnosis of ovarian cancer when her general condition deteriorated. She complained again of abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Pyrexia and the hematological findings suggested sepsis. The pelvis contained a predominantly leftsided nodular mass and a brown fetid discharge was coming through the cervix. The IUD was removed and treatment with ampicillin and clindamycin was started with rapid improvement in the patient's condition. Obstruction with extreme distention of the colon required emergency laparotomy. An inflammatory mass was found in the pelvis consisting of a right-sided ovarian tumor, bilateral hydrosalpinges, and a tightly encased sigmoid colon. The dilated caecum had a large necrotic area in its wall which necessitated caecostomy and double-current sigmoidostomy after subtotal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The patient made a good recovery. As recently as the 1950s, primary pelvic actinomycosis was a rarity. In the last 4 years alone, 20% of all reported cases of actinomycosis involved the female genital tract. The percentage of cases found among IUD users has been continuously increasing and in the last 2 years all published cases were IUD users. The presence of actinomyces in vaginal smears always is indicative of the presence of a foreign body, most commonly and IUD.     

The place of bowel resection in initial debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and morbidity associated with bowel resection at the initial debulking procedure for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective medical record and computerised database review. SETTING: John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales. SAMPLE: All women with FIGO stage III or IV epithelial ovarian cancer and with adequate case note documentation who underwent bowel resection as part of their primary debulking surgery at the John Hunter Hospital from 1991 to July 2000. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cumulative overall and disease free survival, optimal (residual disease < 1 cm) versus suboptimal cytoreduction and short (< 6 weeks) and long-term postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: For the optimally debulked patients the two and five-year overall and disease free survival rates were 49%, 30%, 19% and 8.9% respectively. The two-year overall survival rate for the suboptimally debulked patients was 20%. The major short-term morbidity rate was 17.6%. Long-term morbidity occurred in 10 of 51 patients; however, not all morbidity was surgery related. CONCLUSIONS: Cytoreductive surgery, including bowel resection, appears indicated in the treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The surgical morbidity rate from these procedures appears acceptable.